What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy modality that was developed in the late 1980s to treat individuals who had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR is a unique form of therapy that combines parts of cognitive-behavioral therapy with eye movement or other forms of bilateral stimulation (Such as tapping/ auditory) to help clients process past trauma in a more effective way. It has been widely researched and shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD and other forms of trauma-related disorders.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, online therapy has become an essential component in providing mental health services to individuals who may not have access to in-person therapy or who prefer online therapy’s convenience and flexibility. With the increase in the demand for online therapy services and the effectiveness of EMDR as a trauma-focused therapy, EMDR therapy has been adapted to the online platform.
How does doing EDMR online work?
Online EMDR therapy is conducted through a secure video-conferencing platform (Bilateral base) that allows clients to communicate in real-time, just as they would in person. In online EMDR therapy, the therapist guides the client through a series of steps designed to activate the client’s traumatic memory while simultaneously stimulating both sides of the brain. The therapist may use the eye movement component of EMDR or other means of bilateral stimulation such as sounds or tapping.
Is it effective?
Online EMDR therapy has shown to be effective for many individuals. A recent study of online EMDR therapy showed that it was as effective as in-person EMDR therapy in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The study observed the PTSD symptoms in a group of 29 individuals who received both in-person and online EMDR therapy. The study found that there was no difference in the reductions of PTSD symptoms between those who received in-person and those who received online EMDR therapy.
Another study examined the effectiveness of online EMDR therapy for individuals with complex trauma. The study was conducted on a small sample of nine individuals, and all of them had complex trauma, which is defined as exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an interpersonal nature. The study found that all participants experienced significant reductions of PTSD and depression symptoms after six sessions of online EMDR therapy.
Furthermore, a systematic review of the literature showed that online EMDR therapy was as effective as in-person EMDR therapy in treating PTSD and depression; this systematic review included eight studies. The review found that the symptom reductions for PTSD and depression were similar in the participants who received online EMDR therapy and those who received in-person EMDR therapy.
What are the benefits?
The convenience of online EMDR therapy can also lead to increased access to therapy services, particularly for clients who may have limited options to attend in-person appointments due to distance, mobility issues, or other barriers to transportation or childcare. Online EMDR therapy has shown potential in removing those barriers and making EMDR therapy accessible to many people who otherwise might be unable to attend therapy sessions in person.
However, it is important to note that while online EMDR therapy has numerous benefits, it may not be appropriate for everyone or every situation. Clients seeking trauma-focused therapy should consider seeking an in-person therapist if they prefer the in-person therapeutic experience.
Online EMDR therapy has demonstrated its potential as an effective alternative for individuals with PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. Online EMDR therapy provides a convenient and accessible way for individuals to access therapy services while having similar outcomes as in-person sessions.